Remember when Smarts were small? Since the company’s reinvention, everything has changed. The Smart #5 takes the brand into the premium mid-size SUV market for the first time and brings Mercedes-Benz styling, a tech-infested interior and the opportunity to explore the wilderness, for those who are that way inclined.
Futuristic, yet Properly Premium
The Smart #5, like the rest of the range, seems to have a design from the future. The thin lights with separate components at the front and rear scream space age, while the frameless doors and flush door handles are tropes of modern cars. The plastic used at the bottom and around the wheel arches gives the Smart a rugged stance, as do the short overhangs at the front and rear. The bold wheels have floating centre caps, hinting at the Smart’s premium positioning along with the panoramic roof.
For those seeking a more outdoorsy look, the Summit Edition is equipped with the Adventurers’ Collection. This keeps the premium features but also adds a roof light bar, an electric towbar and underbody protection, a roof carrier, side steps, a side bag and a side ladder. Quite the list of added kit, but it could be perfect for campers (provided a charger is nearby).
A Premium Interior Packed With Technology
For the driver and front passenger, there are ‘zero-gravity’ front leather seats with 121 degrees of recline, while rear occupants get leather seats, 1,060mm of headroom, adjustable seatbacks, an electric sun shield and LED reading lights, akin to those in aeroplanes. All seats are heated and oak trim and ambient lighting add to the premium ambience. Practicality is fantastic, with multiple sleeping configurations possible, 34 storage compartments and up to 1,600 litres of luggage space, when combined with the frunk.
There are also droves of technology inside. The driver gets a 25.6-inch Augmented Reality head-up display and a 10.3-inch driver’s display. Two 13-inch AMOLED displays make up the infotainment setup, which is paired with a Sennheiser Signature Sound System with 21 speakers. An AI voice assistant features and almost every function can be controlled by voice activation. An advanced AMD chip promises a smooth and responsive experience.
Improving the Electric Experience
Smart aims to improve electric mobility and claims the new #5 ups the game, as far as charging and range go. The 800-volt platform allows the 100kWh battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 15 minutes. Smart claims a CLTC (China Light-duty vehicle Test Cycle) range of 460 miles, although this will likely translate to around 350 miles in WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) tests. For the adventurous type, there is a 220V socket, useful when you venture off-grid.
No performance figures have been released and no Brabus variant has been announced yet. However, there are plenty of driving modes, particularly for off-roading, such as Adaptive, Sand, Snow, Mud, and Rock.
